In researching game AI, my PhD supervisor, Dr Marcus Gallagher and I decided to use a machine-learning algorithm to get bots to learn how to play an FPS. Researching the creation of interesting behaviours, such as combat strategies, may also help the videogames industry develop more realistic and entertaining characters to play against. We can then transfer these insights to the fields of physical robotics and real-life simulations in things such as military training simulations.
The bots are non-playable characters with the ability to move around an environment, avoid obstacles, aim, shoot, change weapons, pick up items, sprint and crouch.Ĭreating bots with human-like behaviour is one way we can use videogames to research AI techniques. Players of these games will take on computer-controlled enemies across different maps, using different weapons, and collecting different items as they go. Research in artificial intelligence in videogames (AI) is becoming increasingly popular as we realise the advantages of using games as simulation test-beds.įirst-person shooter (FPS) games are among the most popular type of game in today’s market and are known for their combative nature and fast-paced action.
